Thread: How long to rototill

I have someone who wants me to rototill, and seed their backyard which is 16K square feet. Are there any rules of thumb about how long it should take? Obviously it will depend on the size of the tiller and type of soil, but any rough guesses would be much appreciated. I've never tilled before, so I have no idea.

Five foot tiller or six ft. harley rake, I can have that seeded and mulched (straw) in less than 3 hrs. W one man.. Closer to two hrs. W two men..
Assuming A clear 16K sq. Obstacles and other BS start adding time for turning etc.

If he just wants it rototilled and seeded, it can be done with the right equipment in a few hours. The right equipment is either a 35-40 HP tractor with a tiller, Dingo type mini-steer, or a skid steer. Broadcast the seed in advance, and till it into the soil and you don't have to screw around with straw and the other crap. Using this technique, I've had 100% success every time.

But, if you want it done right, it's going to take longer as you will need to grade it or rake with a landscaping rake and then roll it. Keep in mind if the soil is tilled, it introduces air into it and when it rains, it will be very loose...until the soil eventually settles. For the record, I typically steer away from doing tilling this late though.

It is to late for good germination in your area. You will get much better results if you do this at the first of September. Grass that is planted in the spring usually doesn't make it through the summer unless there is irrigation. Wait until fall. You will be glad you did.

If he just wants it rototilled and seeded, it can be done with the right equipment in a few hours. The right equipment is either a 35-40 HP tractor with a tiller, Dingo type mini-steer, or a skid steer. Broadcast the seed in advance, and till it into the soil and you don't have to screw around with straw and the other crap. Using this technique, I've had 100% success every time.

But, if you want it done right, it's going to take longer as you will need to grade it or rake with a landscaping rake and then roll it. Keep in mind if the soil is tilled, it introduces air into it and when it rains, it will be very loose...until the soil eventually settles. For the record, I typically steer away from doing tilling this late though.

this is interesting.... how can you till in the seed so deep and have good results? Eve if you till it in 2-3" how do you get grass to come up? I usually till 4-6" then spread the seed on top, lightly rake in, and water like crazy. I get decent results in the fall....not so great in Spring.

It's not like when you till it, everything goes to the bottom...it's MIXED with the soil....try it this fall in a test plot...I GUARANTEE you that you will get solid coverage. Learned this working around the agriculture industry growing up

Harley rake is my first choice for seeding, no need to till 4-6" it's not a garden.. Yeah you can seed in the spring thats were the straw is beneficial, it holds the moisture.. I'd rather seed in the fall but this ? was asked in the spring, so that's my suggestion..

Yes but when folks start talking about rototilling and seeding at the wrong time of the year that
tells me the results will be below average and I'd be surprised if they don't tear up some
utility line(s) in the process.

I wouldn't waste my time, unless you really need the work and you already own a BIG rear-tine tiller,
even then it probably won't give your company the word of mouth you might want but at the same
rate it's better than nothing and worth the experience.